The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application serial number 62/484,997 filed on April 13, 2017.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to a transport frame. More specifically, the present invention is a transport frame for a gang box that allows the user to mount the gang box onto a vehicle's trailer hitch.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The Process of loading and unloading construction materials can be difficult and time consuming. Frequently, a foreman must transport heavy and expensive tools between multiple job sites. This can be a problem when the foreman has to collect and then repack the tools for each job site. This can result in loss of, or damage to, the tools. To overcome this problem, many foremen use gang boxes as a simple way to keep track of and transport tools. While gang boxes act as a consolidated repository for tools, they are often large and heavy. Thus, difficult to transport.

The present invention addresses the difficulty in transporting gang boxes by providing a transport frame that can be mounted onto any vehicle with a trailer hitch. This functionality enables the foreman to easily load and unload the gang box at worksites. Additionally, the present invention enables the foreman to transport the gang box without the use of a specialty vehicle, such as a truck. The present invention provides a lightweight transport frame that secures the gang box in a desired orientation during transport. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention with the box-retaining brace disconnected from the perimeter frame.

FIG. 2 is a left-side view of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a left-side view of the present invention with the box -retaining brace mounted onto the perimeter frame and the adjustable tensioning member connected between the vehicle coupling mechanism and the box -retaining brace.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the present invention with the box-retaining brace mounted onto the perimeter frame and the adjustable tensioning member connected between the vehicle coupling mechanism and the box -retaining brace.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1 through FIG. 5, the present invention, the transport frame for mounting a gang box onto a vehicle, is a carrying system that enables a user to mount a gang box onto a vehicle, for transport. To that end, the present invention is designed to be a transport frame that suspends the gang box off the ground and can be connected to a traditional trailer hitch. Further, the present invention is designed to distribute the weight of the gang box, such that the transport frame does not sag beneath the weight of a fully loaded gang box. Specifically, the present invention is able to accomplish this by comprising a box -receiving basket 1, an intermediary support frame 2, and a vehicle coupling mechanism 3. The box-receiving basket 1 is a cradle into which the gang box is inserted, for transport. To facilitate this functionality, the box-receiving basket 1 comprises a perimeter frame 11, a plurality of box-supporting beams 12, a first widthwise edge 111 and a second widthwise edge 112. The perimeter frame 11 is a rigid frame that is shaped to circumscribe the gang box. Additionally, the perimeter frame 11 forms an upper rim of the box -receiving basket 1. Further describing the geometry of the perimeter frame 11, the first widthwise edge 111 is positioned opposite to the second widthwise edge 112 across the perimeter frame 11. As a result, the perimeter frame 11 is formed into a rectangular shape that mirrors the dimensions of the gang box. While the perimeter frame 11 forms the upper rim of the box -receiving basket 1, the plurality of box- supporting beams 12 forms the body of the basket; delineating the shape of a box- receiving receptacle 13. Specifically, the plurality of box-supporting beams 12 is connected across the perimeter frame 11. Further, the plurality of box-supporting beams

12 is positioned in between the first widthwise edge 111 and the second widthwise edge 112. Thus positioned, the plurality of box-supporting beams 12 forms a cradle that wraps around the underside of the gang box. Additionally, the cradle formed by the plurality of box -receiving bars acts as the body of the box -receiving basket 1 that supports the weight of the gang box.

Referring to FIG. 1, the present invention is designed to support the weight of the gang box without being deformed. To facilitate this, the intermediary support frame 2 is a rigid structure that maintains the box -receiving basket 1 in an orientation designed to facilitate transporting the gang box. Specifically, the intermediary support frame 2 is adjacently mounted to the perimeter frame 11, opposite to the box -receiving receptacle

13 of the box -receiving basket 1. Accordingly, the intermediary support frame 2 is able to transfer the weight of the gang box from the box-receiving basket 1, to the vehicle coupling mechanism 3, and into the trailer hitch of the vehicle. The vehicle coupling mechanism 3 is a detachable fastener that forms a rigid connection with the vehicle. Preferably, the vehicle coupling mechanism 3 is a trailer hitch coupler. Additionally, the vehicle coupling mechanism 3 is adjacently connected to the intermediary support frame 2, opposite to the perimeter frame 11. Accordingly, the vehicle coupling mechanism 3 is able to form a detachable connection between the trailer hitch of the vehicle and the intermediary support frame 2.

Referring to FIG. 1, the box -receiving basket 1 is designed to be a lightweight carrying system that uses the plurality of box-supporting beams 12 to form a rigid cradle, which conforms to the shape of the gang box. That is, the plurality of box-supporting beams 12 forms a rigid cage that delineates the box-receiving receptacle 13 into which the gang box is inserted. To accomplish this, the plurality of box-supporting beams 12 comprises a first edge-support beam 121, a second edge-support beam 122, and at least one arbitrary support beam 123. Further, the plurality of box-supporting beams 12 is arranged into a series of bars, each of which is positioned to support a base of the gang box. Additionally, the first edge-support beam 121 is connected along the first widthwise edge 111. Similarly, the second edge-support beam 122 is connected along the second widthwise edge 112. As a result, the first edge-support beam 121 and the second edge- support beam 122 form the terminal ends of the cage that delineates the box -receiving receptacle 13 into which the gang box is inserted. Further, the first edge-support beam 121 and the second edge-support beam 122 support opposite ends of the gang box. The at least one arbitrary support beam 123 is positioned in between the first edge-support beam 121 and the second edge-support beam 122. As a result, the at least one arbitrary support beam 123 supports the body of the gang box that is positioned between the first edge- support beam 121 and the second edge-support beam 122.

Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, as described above, the plurality of box- supporting beams 12 forms a rigid cradle that conforms to the shape of the gang box. To accomplish this, each of the plurality of box-supporting beams 12 comprises a first leg 124, a second leg 126, and a third leg 127. The three legs of each box-supporting beam 12 form a U-shaped member that delineates a base and sides of the box -receiving receptacle 13. Further, the perimeter frame 11 comprises a first lengthwise edge 113 and a second lengthwise edge 114. As such, the first lengthwise edge 113 is positioned opposite to the second lengthwise edge 114, across the perimeter frame 11. Additionally, the first lengthwise edge 113 and the second lengthwise edge 114 are positioned in between the first widthwise edge 111 and the second widthwise edge 112. Thus positioned, the first widthwise edge 111, the second widthwise edge 112, the first lengthwise edge 113, and the second lengthwise edge 114 define the rectangular shape of the perimeter frame 11. Expounding on the descriptions of each box-supporting beam, the first leg 124 is adjacently connected to the first lengthwise edge 113. The second leg 126 is connected adjacent to the second lengthwise edge 114. The third leg 127 is terminally connected to the first leg 124, opposite to the first lengthwise edge 113. Finally, the third leg 127 is terminally connected to the second leg 126, opposite to the second lengthwise edge 114. Thus positioned, the first leg 124, the second leg 126, and the third leg 127 form the bars of the cage that support the weight of the gang box while inserted into the box -receiving receptacle 13. Additionally, the plurality of box-supporting beams 12 forms a rectangular channel that supports the base of the gang box. It should be noted that present invention can be manufactured in various shapes and sizes without departing from the scope and spirit of the transport frame described herein. For example, a first alternative embodiment may use a circular perimeter frame 11. In this embodiment, the plurality of box-supporting beams 12 will remain connected across the perimeter frame 11. Thus, delineating the box-receiving receptacle 13.

Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, the present invention employs the intermediary support frame 2 to distribute the weight of the gang box, such that the gang box is prevented from moving while seated within the box -receiving receptacle 13. To achieve this, the intermediary support frame 2 comprises a plurality of support arms 21 and a nexus connector 216. The plurality of support arms 21 comprises rigid members that maintain the box -receiving basket 1 in a desired orientation, relative to the vehicle coupling mechanism 3. The nexus connector 216 is a rigid member that forms an anchor point for each of the plurality of support arms 21. Additionally, the nexus connector 216 is mounted onto the vehicle coupling mechanism 3. Consequently, the weight of the gang box it transferred through the intermediary support frame 2 and into the vehicle coupling mechanism 3. Additionally, each of the plurality of support arms 21 is terminally connected to the nexus connector 216. As a result, any external force that is applied to the plurality of support arms 21 will be transferred to the nexus connector 216. Relatedly, each of the plurality of support arms 21 is terminally connected to a corresponding support beam 124, opposite to the nexus connector 216. Further, the corresponding support beam 124 is from the plurality of box- supporting beams 12. As a result, each of the support arms 21 is used to transfer the load from the corresponding support beam 124, into the nexus connector 216. Preferably, the intermediary support frame 2 is a tapering structure that tapers from the second lengthwise edge 114 of the perimeter frame 11 to the nexus connector 216. Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, as described above, the plurality of support arms 21 is designed to maintain the box -receiving basket 1 in a desired orientation while transferring the weight of the gang box into the vehicle coupling mechanism 3 and the attached trailer hitch. To that end, the plurality of support arms 21 comprises a first edge- support arm 211, a second edge-support arm 212, and at least one arbitrary support arm 213. Additionally, the plurality of support arms 21 is arranged into a tapering

configuration that transfers the weight of the gang box to the nexus connector 216.

Specifically, the first edge-support arm 211 is connected along the first widthwise edge 111. Similarly, the second edge-support arm 212 is connected along the second widthwise edge 112. As a result, the first edge-support arm 211 transfers the weight from the first edge-support beam 121 to the nexus connector 216. Likewise, the second edge- support arm 212 transfers the weight from the second edge-support beam 122 to the nexus connector 216. Further, the at least one arbitrary support arm 213 is positioned in between the first edge-support arm 211 and the second edge-support arm 212. As a result, the at least one arbitrary support arm 213 supports the corresponding support beam 124 that is positioned in between the first edge-support arm 211 and the second edge-support arm 212.

Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the intermediary support frame 2 is designed to be a rigid and lightweight assembly. To accomplish this, each of the plurality of support arms 21 comprising a first bar 214 and a second bar 215. The first bar 214 is connected in between the nexus connector 216 and the corresponding support beam 124. Additionally, the first bar 214 is positioned adjacent to the perimeter frame 11. As a result, the first bar 214 acts as a connective brace that extends between an upper end of the box-receiving basket 1 and the nexus connector 216. Similarly, the second bar 215 is connected in between the nexus connector 216 and the corresponding support beam 124. Further, the second bar 215 is positioned offset from the first bar 214, across the corresponding support beam 124. Accordingly, the second bar 215 acts as a connective brace that extends between a lower end of the box -receiving basket 1 and the nexus connector 216. The positioning of the first bar 214 and the second bar 215 distributes the weight of the upper and lower portions of the box -receiving basket 1. Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 4, and FIG. 5, the present invention can be used as part of a system for transporting a gang box between locations. This system comprises the transport frame for mounting a gang box onto a vehicle, and a bracket assembly for lifting a gang box. The bracket assembly is designed to be a reconfigurable harness that attaches to the gang box to form anchor points for a hoist. The method for implementing the system for transporting a gang box between locations is as follows. The user attaches the bracket assembly to the gang box. The user then attaches the bracket assembly to the hoist. Next, the user lifts the bracket assembly and the attached gang box using the hoist. The user then, lowers the gang box into the box-receiving receptacle 13. Finally, the user disconnects the bracket assembly from the gang box. These steps are repeated in reverse when extracting the gang box from the box -receiving receptacle 13.

Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 4, and FIG. 5, to implement this system, the bracket assembly makes use of a pair of brackets that function as anchor points for the hoist. Specifically, the bracket assembly comprises a first lifting bracket, a second lifting bracket, a first tensioning member and a second tensioning member. The first lifting bracket is laterally attached to the gang box. Similarly, the second lifting bracket is laterally attached to the gang box, opposite to the first lifting bracket. As a result, the first lifting bracket and the second lifting bracket are able to form anchor points that evenly distribute the weight of the gang box when the gang box is being lifted by the hoist. The first tensioning member and the second tensioning member are connected in between the first lifting bracket and the second lifting bracket. Accordingly, the first lifting bracket and the second lifting bracket can be tightened around the lateral sides of the gang box. This enables the user to securely affix the bracket assembly to the gang box prior to lifting the gang box. Both, the first lifting bracket and the second lifting bracket include support tabs that can be inserted into recesses in the gang box and serve to create a more robust connection be first lifting bracket and the second lifting bracket.

Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 4, and FIG. 5, the present invention includes a securing member that prevents the gang box from being extracted from the box -receiving basket 1, while engaged. Specifically, the present invention comprises a box -retaining brace 4, a locking mechanism 5, and an adjustable tensioning member 6. The box -retaining brace 4 is a rigid member that facilitates retaining the gang box in the box -receiving receptacle 13. To that end, the box -retaining brace 4 is mounted across the perimeter frame 11. Additionally, the perimeter frame 11 being positioned in between the box-retaining brace 4 and the plurality of box-supporting beams 12. As a result, the box -retaining brace 4 is able to clamp the gang box against the plurality of box-supporting beams 12 when mounted onto the perimeter frame 11. This functionality enables the user to prevent the gang box from becoming dislodged in the box -receiving receptacle 13. The locking mechanism 5 is integrated in between the box-retaining brace 4 and the perimeter frame 11 so that the user can secure the gang box against theft and unintentional release.

Preferably, the locking mechanism 5 makes use of a pin-and-hole construction where inserting a pin through holes in the box-retaining brace 4 and the perimeter frame 11 locks the box -retaining brace 4 in place. The box-retaining brace 4 can be constructed using retention devices that include, but are not limited to, belts, webbing, bungies, and chains. The adjustable tensioning member 6 is a cable that is used to retain the box- retaining brace 4 in a desired orientation. To accomplish this, the adjustable tensioning member 6 is connected in between the box -retaining brace 4 and the vehicle coupling mechanism 3. Thus connected, the adjustable tensioning member 6 prevents the box- retaining brace 4 and the box -receiving basket 1 from sagging under the weight of the gang box. The adjustable tensioning member 6 can be made using devices including, but not limited to, ratchet straps, bungies, winches, and belts. Additionally, multiple adjustable tensioning members 6 can be used to further support the gang box.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred

embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.